Before You(60)

“Yes, she sucks. Everyone knows that, but there’s a big difference between dumping your sick husband and breaking up with your high school sweetheart that lives across the country.”

“My mind knows that, but sometimes I have a hard time letting people go. I came here to focus on Cam and see if there’s anything left between us, and that’s what I plan to do.”

“Just remember that if the answer is no, that doesn’t mean that the answer is always going to be no. Maybe you both would be happier if you let each other go for the time being, and if it’s meant to be, you’ll find each other again.”

“Maybe you’re right. Cam is always so distant, even when we’re together. I don’t want him to feel like I’m an obligation, otherwise he’ll resent me later.”

“Or the other way around. You might be the one to resent him if you don’t experience what the world has to offer because you’re too afraid to let him go.”

Bre laughed through her tears, suddenly feeling lighter. “I don’t know about that, but thanks for the pep talk.”

“Anytime.”

Bre knew that she meant it. Other than Jax, Sara had become the most dependable and supportive person in her life since Cam moved to LA.

As she ended her call with Sara, she saw a missed a text from Cam.



I’ll drop by Jax’s house to pick up your purse. Make yourself at home. I have to work until close.



Bre had all sorts of confusing feelings in response to that message—from resignation that this was her life with Cam, to frustration that she flew here to see him and he basically told her to go to bed, and he’d see her in the morning. Strange enough, the emotion that scared her the most was relief that she didn’t have to face him or the state of their relationship for another day. Cam unwittingly granted her a temporary stay of execution.





Chapter Twenty-Two





When Bre woke up the next morning, light filtered into Cam’s bedroom through the sheer blinds and she heard Cam talking in a hushed tone in the kitchen.

For several minutes, she lay unmoving, her eyes staring at the white ceiling, unwilling to face Cam. Irrationally, she questioned whether he would sense that she cheated on him or whether he could see some sort of outward physical change.

Somehow, Bre suppressed her panic and guilt long enough to get out of bed and slip into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Cam looked up when she emerged from the bedroom, dressed and ready for the day in a pair of yellow skinny jeans, a grey and white polka dot blouse with a coral belt, and matching ballet flats. She noticed that his hair was still wet from a recent shower.

“Bre, I’m so glad you’re here.”

Bre smiled and surveyed the room. Noticing the blankets on the couch, she said, “Why did you sleep on the couch?”

“I came home late, and you looked so peaceful that I didn’t want to disturb you.” Cam picked up the blankets and tossed them in the corner.

“I wouldn’t have minded. It’s your room,” she responded with a faint smile.

Cam spread his arms. “Come here and give me a hug. You’re acting too reserved. What happened to the girl who used to jump into my arms the minute she saw me?”

She sighed, then she stomped theatrically toward Cam, sliding her arms around his waist. He bent down to kiss her lightly on the top of her head. “Mm… Bre, you always smell so good—like home.”

“So what are the plans for the weekend?” The words came out muffled as she pressed her head into his chest.

“Tonight we have a dinner charity event arranged by our agent for the band and our dates.”

“So who were you going to bring if I didn’t agree to come?” she asked playfully.

“I guess I would have had to take one of Jax’s cast offs or suffered alone in silence.”

At the mention of Jax, Bre tensed slightly. She tipped her face up to look at Cam. “So who is Jax bringing?”

“Oh, he’s bringing some girl named Anna. You’ve never met her before.”

“Have she and Jax been dating long?” Bre stood motionless, not wanting to hear the answer, but at the same time needing to hear it.

“I don’t know. A month or so, maybe longer.”

“Is it serious?”

“Come on, this is Jax we’re talking about. Is anything ever serious with him?” he responded, pushing her hair away from her face.

“I guess not.”

Cam bent his head, letting his lips travel the length of her neck, the scruff on his face lightly scraping her skin. “Mmm, Bre… I’ve missed you.”

“Cam, you can’t do that. We broke up,” she said, stepping away from him.